Alice Elizabeth Coleman's Obituary
Alice Elizabeth Coleman passed away on July 25, 2023, from complications of an infection. At her side was her husband David who held and comforted her until she was called home by her heavenly father.
On April 18, 1963, Alice Elizabeth Nixon came into the lives of Robert Lee Nixon and Joan Mae (Pratt) Nixon. Alice was the oldest of three and grew up in a loving family along with Jackie and Dale. She was raised on a ranch in rural Beavercreek, Oregon. The family raised cattle and had a few horses. Alice participated in 4-H by showing the family’s animals and learning how to cook. Alice also played clarinet in the school band. Alice loved horses and would fondly share memories about their adventures around the ranch. She attended Colton schools until graduation. She enjoyed telling stories of her school days and getting in trouble with classmates. After graduation, Alice joined the Air Force National Guard. During her time in the service, she worked as a shipping supply clerk.
Alice and I met in the early summer of 1992. My friend Terry and I stopped off at the Wichita Pub in Clackamas, Oregon. We opted for an early dinner after an unsuccessful day of steelhead fishing. While playing a game of darts, two girls walked in asking if they could play. Terry motioned to me to ask if I wanted to have the girls join. Once I saw the pretty blonde, I knew who I wanted for my dart partner. I will never forget the look and smile she gave me. We played a couple games, traded numbers, and went our separate ways. The next day, I received a call from Alice’s friend Lori asking me if I was interested in meeting at the Wagon Wheel Park in Molalla. We walked down to the river and talked for a while before she left. When I returned to my truck, I found a note from Alice asking me to call her later that afternoon. I called. It was the best phone call I have ever made in my life!
Alice and I dated for a few years. We married on July 3, 1996. We lived in Oregon City for a time and bought our first house in Molalla in 2000. We wanted more room for our animals and in 2006 we found our home in Deer Island, Oregon. It was perfect! It had pastures for her horses, a small stand of timber, and plenty of room for the dogs.
Alice loved the outdoors and animals of all kinds, especially babies. She loved tender lives of all kinds and was drawn to them. Alice liked to cook and was exceptionally good at it. She taught herself how to crochet and made many blankets to give away to family and friends. Alice bought a camera and started studying photography and became extremely talented. She loved taking pictures of nature. Plants, flowers, and wildlife particularly caught her eye. Alice had a huge heart and was very loving. She was born with a passion that ran deep. This passion showed in all aspects of her life. She was not afraid to stand her ground if she thought she was being challenged. Whether it was baking, photography, biking, caring for animals, or hugging, Alice was going to do it her way. Alice was a loving, caring wife. I still wonder how she chose me but am so thankful. Of the 31 years we have been together not one minute have I ever regretted making that phone call.
Alice was preceded in death by her father Robert Nixon and brother Dale Nixon.
Alice is survived by her husband David; mother Joan Nixon; siblings Jackie (Rodney) Veelle; Dale’s wife Valerie Nixon; children Tanya, and Justin Coleman; five grandchildren Callen, Konner, Austin, Logan, and Teagan; and her fur babies, Gemma, Dexter, Nickie, Joey, and Shadow.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!
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